Rhythm device



oCt. 23, 1962 C. w, TlscHER RHYTHM DEVICE Filed 00T.. 19, 1961 'lll v I NVEN TOR. //Azushl /sc//e Bw M Armen/frs.

United tates Patent O 3,059,375 RHYTHM DEVICE Charles W. Tischer, 10706 Hempstead Road, Houston 18, Tex. Filed Oct. 19, 1961, Ser. No. 146,104 1 Claim. (Cl. 46-191) This invention relates to a percussion instrument adapted to produce a rhythmic clacking sound when held between the Aiirst and second lingers and shaken rhythmically.

A primary object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character which may be formed as a unitary structure, and which is provided with a sounding or resonating center strip of wood or plastic between a pair of spaced strips of spring steel which strikes or vibrate against the sounding strip.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character wherein the spring steel strips are comprised of a unitary structure reverted over the end of the sounding strip and riveted thereto, the metal strips having their ends extending beyond the end of the sounding strip and reverted so as to impact the end.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of such a device wherein one or more of the metal strip portions is provided with an indentation which will produce an additional percussive effect centrally of the sounding strip rather than at the end thereof.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character which is sturdy and durable in construction, reliable and efficient in operation, and relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Still other objects reside in the combinations of elements, arrangements of parts, and features of construction, all as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter and disclosed in the accompanying drawing wherein there is shown a preferred embodiment of this inventive concept.

In the drawings:

fFlGURE 1 is a top plan view of one form of device constructed in accordance with the instant invention.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 2-2 of FIG. l as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows, certain alternative positions of adjustment being indicated in dotted lines.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken sub'- stantially along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows; and

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. l was viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Having reference now to the drawings in detail, the device ofthe instant invention is generally indicated at and comprises an elongated substantially rectangular strip 11 of wood, plastic, or similar resonating material. A single strip of resilient metal 12 is reverted at its end as at 13 and riveted as by means of a rivet 14 so that one side of the strip 12 extends on each opposite side of the sounding strip 11. The opposite sides are designated 3,059,375 Patented Oct. 23, 1962 respectively 12a and 12b. Each strip has a reverted end portion 15a and 15b which are substantially identical but opposite, and which terminate in ilattened surfaces 16a and 1Gb, respectively, adjacent the corners of the end 11a of strip `11. One or both of the strips, as for example 12b, may be provided with an identation 17 at an intermediate portion thereof, which will strike against an intermediate portion of the sounding board 11, and create an additional or off-beat resonating eiect.

ln the use and operation of the device the end adjacent the rivet 1'4 is held Ibetween the iirst and second lingers of either hand of the user and shaken rapidly. The resiliency of the strip 12a and 12b cause them to vibrate rapidly from the position shown in dotted lines to the full line position in FIG. 2. As the end portion 16a` and 16h strike either simultaneously or alternately against the opposite corners of the end 11a of resonating strip 11 a rhythmic clacking sound is produced. The protuberance or projection 17 may also add an additional rhythmic sound which may be slightly oli-beat with respect to the sound produced by the end portion 16a: and 1Gb.

From the Iforegoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided an improved rhythmic device Iwhich accomplishes all the objects of this invention, including many advantages of great practical utility.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiment hereinbefore shown and described, it is -to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

A rhythm device comprising in combination an elongated generally rectangular strip of resonant material, a single U-shaped member bent over one end of said resonant strip and having a pair of resilient metal strips disposed in overlying relation to opposite sides of said strip of resonant material, portions of said resonant strip defining on opening therethrough adjacent the end over which said U-shaped member is bent, portions of each of said metal strips of said Ueshaped member defining aligned openings therethrough in alignment with the opening in said resonant strip, rivet means extending through the openings in said strip of resonant material and said metal strips to secure said U-shaped member to said strip of resonant material, the free ends of each of said resilient metal strips extending beyond the end of said strip of resonant material and being reverted, the reverted end portions of each of said resilient metal strips adapted to strike against the end of said resonant strip when the same are vibrated, and one of said resilient metal strips having portions dening an inwardly extending projection adapted to strike against said strip of resonant material at an intermediate point.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

